Community Radio in Europe has grown from a handful of stations in the late 1970's to over 1600 today. This growth has been fuelled by deregulation of broadcasting and increased community demand for access to airwaves, together with the increasingly low cost and availability of broadcasting technology for FM stations.

Community radio provides an ideal means of fostering local media pluralism and freedom of expression and information. Community radio services contribute to the development of culture within communities by providing an outlet for local performers and artists, a forum for innovation and experiment, and a means of active participation in local events.

There are many structures in community radio groups. Usually independence and freedom to apply profits for community enterprise are prime characteristics. These groups are the voice of geographical or related interest communities and they actively involve individuals and social/cultural groups in the art of communication. Britain lags behind dramatically when compared to Europe, USA, Australia, and even many Eastern European states. In Britain the legal obstacles to establishing new local radio stations are formidable and have held back the development of UK community radio groups for many years.

A Community station is more than just music programmes, however varied the style and mix of the various shows. Community stations deal with local areas, highlighting and exposing problems, opportunities, features, changes, news and issues to public debate. Through debate and discussion, often with the relevant organisations and political bodies concerned, on the other side of the studio.

Community access allows groups, charities, local organisations and individuals the opportunity to produce and present their own programmes, and other recorded material, using the station's resources and with help from trained station personnel. These include access for those with disabilities, and programmes for all ages, ethnic groups and a variety of cultural, dramatic, and speech based broadcasting events.